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Jacob Abello's Prettyboy funding new album with Kickstarter campaign

George Lang •
Published: September 19, 2013

The next 10 days are crucial for Jacob Abello and his new project, Prettyboy. During that time, the local glam-pop singer hopes to raise the full $10,000 needed to record his new album, which he said marks a significant break from his past and a big move into perfect pop music.

And as part of this campaign on Kickstarter, Abello will be saying goodbye to some of his signature stage outfits.

“This is just kind of the route where things are going for local music these days if you don’t have a label or you don’t have a big band where you can get together and get a loan,” Abello said.

“So, to make the record we want to make and support Blackwatch and local musicians and pay them what they deserve, I wanted to ask the fans to help out in a fun way, where they can be a part of making the record and get a little more than just the album. It’ll make it more entertaining.”

Among the offerings is a leather vest with an unmentionable request spelled out in rhinestones on the back.

“I think it’s $250. I did it by hand — I had no idea it was going to take so long,” he said. “It’s one of a few outfits that I retired at the Opolis anniversary show.”

Others include a hot pink blazer ($250) Abello wore in 2012 at the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas, and a gold, skintight leotard that can belong to a faithful fan for $300.

“I put that one on there mostly as a joke. That was my first really weird outfit that I started wearing. But yeah, that could be creepy. I don’t think there’s much of a market for that thing. But yeah, I’ll take the money for it,” he said, laughing.

If all goes well and the Kickstarter goal is reached by 11:08 a.m. Sept. 30, Prettyboy will release the album in March 2014.

For higher levels of contribution, the rewards are much larger. Private, full-band house shows plus a ton of extras, including hard-copy and downloaded versions of the album, are available for $1,000. And a $2,500 input means an executive producer credit on the album.

Abello said that parting company with some of his favorite/notorious stage outfits is just part of the process of moving forward. The new album will feature a more pop-oriented sound: Abello is going for the brass ring.

And for $500, a contributor will be on the guest list for the next 10 shows of his or her choice. According to the Prettyboy Kickstarter page, “This does not expire if I’m suddenly Beyonce status.”

But to get there, Abello needs his fans’ help.

“It’s an end of an era — there’s a transformation taking place, and I’m going to be on to something new,” he said.